Hummingbirds, instantly recognizable by their iridescent plumage and rapid wingbeats, are tiny birds. California, with its diverse habitats and mild climate, is home to a variety of these birds. Observing their swift movements and delicate interactions with flowering plants offers a glimpse into their world.
California’s Hummingbird Nesting Period
Hummingbird nesting in California begins early, extending through several months depending on the species and location. Anna’s Hummingbirds, common year-round residents, can start breeding as early as November or December, often continuing through May or June. This early start is tied to winter rains, which stimulate nectar-producing plants and increase insect availability.
Allen’s Hummingbirds, which breed along the central California coast, typically begin nesting in February, with their breeding season lasting through June. In the southern California deserts, Costa’s Hummingbirds commence breeding as early as mid-January, coinciding with the blooming of desert flora like chuparosa and ocotillo. While Rufous Hummingbirds primarily migrate through California, some nesting has been documented in higher elevations of northern California.
Environmental factors influence the timing of egg-laying. Adequate food sources, including nectar and small insects, are important for nesting success. Temperature and daylight hours also influence when these birds initiate their breeding cycles. Suitable nesting sites, often in dense shrubs or trees, also support their reproductive efforts.
The Journey From Egg to Fledgling
Once a female hummingbird lays her eggs, incubation begins. Hummingbird eggs are tiny, dull white, and elliptical or oval, often compared to a small jelly bean or pea. The female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs, keeping them at a consistent temperature of around 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
Incubation usually lasts 14 to 18 days, though cooler weather can extend this period. Females typically lay two eggs, one to two days apart, timing their full incubation to ensure both hatch close together. Upon hatching, nestlings are altricial—helpless, featherless, and with closed eyes—relying entirely on their mother for warmth and nourishment.
The mother hummingbird feeds her chicks regurgitated nectar and protein-rich insects for rapid development. By 10 days old, nestlings develop pin-like feathers, resembling miniature adults within three weeks. Young hummingbirds fledge, or leave the nest, between 18 and 28 days after hatching. Even after fledging, the mother continues to provide care, feeding her young for one to two additional weeks as they learn to forage independently. Many hummingbird species can raise multiple broods within a single nesting season, sometimes up to five.